A two-day training-cum-workshop on "Ground Water Regulation and Control" was inaugurated at South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Headquarters, Bilaspur. Organized in collaboration with the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), New Delhi, and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Central Chhattisgarh Region, Raipur, the workshop aimed to create awareness among officers and employees about groundwater conservation, scientific and sustainable management of water resources, and regulatory provisions related to groundwater.

The chief guest for the program was SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), Harish Duhan. Also present on the occasion was Director (Technical/Operations), N Franklin Jaikumar, Chief Vigilance Officer Mr. Himanshu Jain, Director (Technical/Planning & Project) Mr. Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra and senior officers of the company and officers and employees from various fields were present in the workshop.

Dr Prabir K Naik (Regional Director), Uddeshya Kumar (Scientist-C) and Ms H V Sophia K (Scientist-C) from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), New Delhi participated as expert speakers in the workshop and shared detailed information on groundwater regulation, Central Ground Water Authority guidelines and regulatory provisions related to groundwater use in industries.

Similarly, Dr Bhushan R from Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Central Chhattisgarh Region, Raipur participated. Lamsoghe (Regional Director), Siddhant Kumar Sahu (Scientist-C), Ms. Sayli Umesh Temburne (Scientist-C), and Pramod Sahu (Scientist-C) elaborated on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, modern water conservation techniques, and practical aspects of effective water management in industries.

In his address, CMD Harish Duhan stated that water conservation is not only an environmental responsibility but also our shared responsibility towards future generations. He stated that judicious use of natural resources and effective water management are the cornerstones of sustainable development, and such training programs play a vital role in updating officers and employees on the latest regulations and best practices.

Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra, Director (Technical/Planning & Projects), stated that scientific management of water resources is essential for sustainable and responsible mining. He expressed confidence that this training will help participants develop a better understanding of the regulatory provisions and practical aspects of groundwater management.

During the workshop, a question-and-answer session was also held between experts and participants, in which officers and employees posed various questions related to groundwater management, regulatory processes, permits, water conservation measures, and practical challenges. Experts addressed all questions in detail and with practical examples, providing participants with a better understanding of the subject.

Officers and employees from various regions and units of SECL are participating in this two-day training-cum-workshop. The upcoming sessions will feature technical presentations, dialogues, question-and-answer sessions, and practical discussions on various topics related to groundwater management, regulatory compliance, water conservation, and efficient use of water resources, helping participants effectively adopt these best practices in their work environments.